Electric vs Gas motor

[Silent Partner]

Got a 1974 Venture. (I'll say it's a 25.) It came with a 6hp outboard. However, last year I had a lot of trouble trying to start it. Not only do I lack muscles but the motor could be finicky. So I thought I would look for a used electric start. It was suggested that I go all the way and get an electric motor - Torqueedo. Big bucks! Then I thought I could just use my Minn Kota trolling motor just to get in and out of the harbour. We had used this on a large Zodiac. So I would keep both motors on the boat. However, I was told that my Minn Kota is so good that it is just as good as getting a Torqueedo. (Apparently you can even see how much charge is left.) So I could take off the 6hp and replace it with my Minn Kota.

Call me a skeptic, but I just don't have enough faith in my abilities and a trolling motor that was designed for fishing. So, I'm back to thinking of putting both on. That means 6hp, gas tank, battery and a Minn Kota, battery, hooked up to my little solar panel. Is this overkill? Does anyone see any problems with this? Does anyone have a suggestion?

Some background info. This will be my first year as captain. Was Admiral since 2003. The harbour is very sheltered - almost a square with an opening in one corner. I'm familiar with my lake. Will be going out only on calm days. However, I would like to do weekends if had someone who was knowledgeable and had a strong arm.

[Ixneigh]

Put both on this year but only use the electric. Start the gas motor to keep it in shape however, once a month. Get comfortable with sailing, and then next year just leave off the gas motor.
Ix

[81venture]

A trolling motor will only work in calm weather no current

A friend borrowed my trolling motor (I keep below as an "emergency thruster") when his outboard was in my shop for repairs

Calm lake and 6 folks on board it pushed the boat off the dock and out where he could raise sails.

we were all impressed...seems it works well

Next trip, same boat (22 Catalina) in higher winds and slight current and only 2 souls on board the motor wouldn't budge the boat...he ended up swimming it out some to raise sails... it was worthless

just our experience

Dave

[EZ]

I would be surprised if a trolling motor performed as well as a 6hp gas. For one thing I doubt the minn Kota has the right prop pitch for your boat.

At minimum, you might want to test both and see which gives you the best speed for your boat. If you are ok with those results, then you have to look at electric range vs. gallons per hour or mpg.

In general, for the same amount of range, you will need to carry a lot more weight in batteries as compared fuel for a gas engine.

One advantage of electric is you can let the prop spin in the water while you sail and charge the batteries. Of course your trolling motor needs to be designed to operate in this mode. I am not sure if minn Kota is. Maybe this is why torqueedo is expensive?

I am a big fan of electric drive (I used to race solar/electric boats), but it does have its trade offs.

[Silent Partner]

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Guess I'll put both on and experiment. Not like I'll be trying to win any races anyway. Wish I knew how to post a picture. Anyway, we put the boats in the water on May 24. So I'll let you know how it turns out.